CIVIC leaders are inviting Chronicle readers to have their say on the possible introduction of pioneering freeze-dried funerals.
Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council is leading the way in the UK in looking into a pioneering alternative to cremation and burial called promession.
Investigations into the technique have already seen Swedish woman Susanne Wiigh-Masak, who is developing the technique, travel to the borough to give lectures.
But the council now wants to hear from residents whether they think the idea is worth pursuing.
Promession involves deep-freezing a body to -196°C using liquid nitrogen, making the remains brittle enough to gently shake to a fine dust.
The process is being touted as more environmentally-friendly than either cremation or burial, leaving behind only nutrient-rich particles which can go into compost which can be used for planting commemorative trees to the deceased.
Cllr Penny Butterill, who is leading the working group carrying out the investigations, stressed promession was not being seen as a replacement for burial or cremation.
She said: 'This method would be another option for people alongside cremation and burial.
'Having listened to the talks from Mrs Wiigh-Masak and learnt a bit about it, I feel this is something I could go for myself.
'It certainly seems to be very good for the environment, and it has a nice feel of putting something back into the earth.'
The borough council's pioneering work looking into promession has attracted interest from all over the UK.
Members of the Scottish Executive as well as representatives from district authorities from across England were at Crewe's Lyceum Theatre to listen to Mrs Wiigh-Masak's presentation last month.
Crewe and Nantwich cemeteries manager Mary Slinn says she has been delighted by the positive feedback so far.
She said: 'People seem very interested, but it is time to really find out what residents in Crewe and Nantwich think.
'All the outside interest is helpful as well. The Scottish Executive is looking into the law change needed to add promession to burial law, that would be needed in England as well before we could go ahead.
'I have also been in touch with Leicester City Council who are going to conduct a big multi-faith survey on religious attitudes to promession.
'The findings will be very helpful for us. But really all eyes are on us to see what our conclusions are.'
